Musicians, Singers, and Related Workers
Job Zones group occupations into one of five categories based on the education, experience, and training typically needed to perform them.
Tasks
Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.
- Perform before live audiences in concerts, recitals, educational presentations, and other social gatherings.97
- Practice performances, individually or in rehearsal with other musicians, to master individual pieces of music or to maintain and improve skills.96
- Specialize in playing a specific family of instruments or a particular type of music.90
- Play musical instruments as soloists, or as members or guest artists of musical groups such as orchestras, ensembles, or bands.85
- Interpret or modify music, applying knowledge of harmony, melody, rhythm, and voice production to individualize presentations and maintain audience interest.83
- Provide the musical background for live shows, such as ballets, operas, musical theatre, and cabarets.82
- Play from memory or by following scores.82
- Practice singing exercises and study with vocal coaches to develop voice and skills and to rehearse for upcoming roles.82
- Teach music for specific instruments.81
- Transpose music to alternate keys, or to fit individual styles or purposes.80
- Sight-read musical parts during rehearsals.76
- Seek out and learn new music suitable for live performance or recording.73
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- Listen to recordings to master pieces or to maintain and improve skills.73
- Memorize musical selections and routines, or sing following printed text, musical notation, or customer instructions.73
- Collaborate with a manager or agent who handles administrative details, finds work, and negotiates contracts.72
- Make or participate in recordings.69
- Make or participate in recordings in music studios.67
- Improvise music during performances.64
- Audition for orchestras, bands, or other musical groups.61
- Perform in television, radio, or movie productions.60
- Promote their own or their group's music by participating in media interviews and other activities.56
- Research particular roles to find out more about a character, or the time and place in which a piece is set.52
- Sing as a soloist or as a member of a vocal group.—
- Sing a cappella or with musical accompaniment.—
- Observe choral leaders or prompters for cues or directions in vocal presentation.—
- Arrange and edit music to fit style and purpose.—
Skills
Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.
- Speaking60
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Active Listening56
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
- Monitoring56
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Reading Comprehension53
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
- Social Perceptiveness53
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
- Coordination50
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Critical Thinking50
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
- Service Orientation47
Actively looking for ways to help people.
- Time Management47
Managing one's own time and the time of others.
- Active Learning44
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Persuasion44
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
- Systems Analysis44
Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes.
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- Writing44
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Judgment and Decision Making41
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
- Learning Strategies41
Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
- Negotiation41
Bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.
- Instructing38
Teaching others how to do something.
- Systems Evaluation38
Identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance, relative to the goals of the system.
- Complex Problem Solving35
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Management of Personnel Resources28
Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.
- Operations Monitoring28
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
- Mathematics22
Using mathematics to solve problems.
- Operations Analysis22
Analyzing needs and product requirements to create a design.
- Technology Design19
Generating or adapting equipment and technology to serve user needs.
- Quality Control Analysis16
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
- Equipment Selection10
Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
- Management of Material Resources10
Obtaining and seeing to the appropriate use of equipment, facilities, and materials needed to do certain work.
- Operation and Control10
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- Troubleshooting10
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
- Management of Financial Resources6
Determining how money will be spent to get the work done, and accounting for these expenditures.
- Programming6
Writing computer programs for various purposes.
- Equipment Maintenance3
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
- Installation3
Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
- Repairing3
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
- Science3
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Knowledge
Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.
- Fine Arts96
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
- Education and Training48
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
- English Language44
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
- Administration and Management42
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
- Customer and Personal Service38
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
- Communications and Media36
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
- Computers and Electronics30
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
- Sociology and Anthropology30
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
- Psychology29
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
- Foreign Language27
Knowledge of the structure and content of a foreign (non-English) language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition and grammar, and pronunciation.
- History and Archeology27
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
- Personnel and Human Resources27
Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.
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- Administrative23
Knowledge of administrative and office procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and workplace terminology.
- Mathematics23
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
- Mechanical18
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
- Sales and Marketing17
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
- Telecommunications17
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
- Transportation15
Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.
- Economics and Accounting14
Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
- Philosophy and Theology14
Knowledge of different philosophical systems and religions. This includes their basic principles, values, ethics, ways of thinking, customs, practices, and their impact on human culture.
- Physics13
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
- Design10
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
- Production and Processing10
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
- Therapy and Counseling8
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
- Geography7
Knowledge of principles and methods for describing the features of land, sea, and air masses, including their physical characteristics, locations, interrelationships, and distribution of plant, animal, and human life.
- Medicine and Dentistry6
Knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. This includes symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
- Biology5
Knowledge of plant and animal organisms, their tissues, cells, functions, interdependencies, and interactions with each other and the environment.
- Engineering and Technology5
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
- Building and Construction4
Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.
- Public Safety and Security4
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
- Law and Government3
Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
- Chemistry1
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
- Food Production—
Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.
Abilities
Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.
- Oral Comprehension72
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
- Oral Expression72
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
- Hearing Sensitivity69
The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.
- Auditory Attention63
The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.
- Memorization63
The ability to remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
- Speech Clarity63
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
- Speech Recognition63
The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.
- Written Comprehension63
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
- Near Vision60
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
- Originality60
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
- Speed of Closure56
The ability to quickly make sense of, combine, and organize information into meaningful patterns.
- Finger Dexterity53
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
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- Flexibility of Closure53
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
- Manual Dexterity53
The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.
- Written Expression53
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
- Arm-Hand Steadiness50
The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.
- Fluency of Ideas50
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
- Information Ordering50
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
- Perceptual Speed50
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
- Category Flexibility47
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
- Deductive Reasoning47
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
- Inductive Reasoning47
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
- Problem Sensitivity47
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
- Selective Attention47
The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.
- Control Precision44
The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
- Visualization44
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
- Multilimb Coordination41
The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
- Time Sharing41
The ability to shift back and forth between two or more activities or sources of information (such as speech, sounds, touch, or other sources).
- Trunk Strength41
The ability to use your abdominal and lower back muscles to support part of the body repeatedly or continuously over time without "giving out" or fatiguing.
- Far Vision38
The ability to see details at a distance.
- Dynamic Strength31
The ability to exert muscle force repeatedly or continuously over time. This involves muscular endurance and resistance to muscle fatigue.
- Extent Flexibility28
The ability to bend, stretch, twist, or reach with your body, arms, and/or legs.
- Mathematical Reasoning28
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
- Number Facility28
The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly.
- Reaction Time28
The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.
- Sound Localization28
The ability to tell the direction from which a sound originated.
- Stamina28
The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.
- Visual Color Discrimination28
The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.
- Wrist-Finger Speed28
The ability to make fast, simple, repeated movements of the fingers, hands, and wrists.
- Gross Body Coordination25
The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and torso together when the whole body is in motion.
- Rate Control22
The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.
- Response Orientation22
The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.
- Static Strength22
The ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull, or carry objects.
- Explosive Strength19
The ability to use short bursts of muscle force to propel oneself (as in jumping or sprinting), or to throw an object.
- Gross Body Equilibrium19
The ability to keep or regain your body balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
- Speed of Limb Movement19
The ability to quickly move the arms and legs.
- Depth Perception13
The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.
- Dynamic Flexibility13
The ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, arms, and/or legs.
- Peripheral Vision13
The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.
- Spatial Orientation10
The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.
- Glare Sensitivity6
The ability to see objects in the presence of a glare or bright lighting.
- Night Vision6
The ability to see under low-light conditions.
Work Activities
General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public80
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships73
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events71
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Processing Information71
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- Thinking Creatively69
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Getting Information66
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People63
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates62
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems57
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge54
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Analyzing Data or Information53
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work53
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
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- Developing and Building Teams52
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
- Performing General Physical Activities52
Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings51
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Developing Objectives and Strategies44
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others43
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Scheduling Work and Activities43
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards41
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
- Communicating with People Outside the Organization39
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others39
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others38
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- Handling and Moving Objects37
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Training and Teaching Others37
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Assisting and Caring for Others36
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Coaching and Developing Others36
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
- Documenting/Recording Information36
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information33
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates33
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials31
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Performing Administrative Activities28
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
- Providing Consultation and Advice to Others27
Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
- Selling or Influencing Others27
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
- Monitoring and Controlling Resources21
Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
- Working with Computers21
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Controlling Machines and Processes20
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Staffing Organizational Units18
Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment15
Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment12
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment12
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment12
Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Work Styles
Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.
- Self-Confidence79
A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.
- Innovation74
A tendency to be inventive, to be imaginative, and to adopt new perspectives on ways to accomplish work.
- Social Orientation74
A tendency to seek out, enjoy, and be energized by social interaction at work.
- Perseverance73
A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.
- Achievement Orientation68
A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.
- Optimism63
A tendency to exhibit a positive attitude and positive emotions at work, even under difficult circumstances.
- Stress Tolerance60
A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.
- Initiative58
A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.
- Dependability57
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
- Adaptability56
A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.
- Cooperation50
A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.
- Intellectual Curiosity49
A tendency to seek out and acquire new work-related knowledge and obtain a deep understanding of work-related subjects.
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- Self-Control49
A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.
- Attention to Detail43
A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.
- Tolerance for Ambiguity41
A tendency to be comfortable with ambiguity and uncertainty at work.
- Empathy28
A tendency to show concern for others and be sensitive to others' needs and feelings at work.
- Sincerity27
A tendency to be genuine and sincere in interactions with others at work, without concern for personal gain or self-interest.
- Integrity24
A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.
- Leadership Orientation1
A tendency to lead, take charge, offer opinions, and provide direction at work.
Interests (RIASEC)
Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.
- Artistic94
Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.
- Enterprising40
Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.
- Social40
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
- Realistic31
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
- Conventional20
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
- Investigative9
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Work Context
Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
- Extremely important68%
- Very important28%
Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Extremely important77%
- Important17%
Physical Proximity
- Very close (near touching)61%
- Moderately close (at arm's length)35%
Contact With Others
- Constant contact with others55%
- Contact with others most of the time28%
- Occasional contact with others15%
Spend Time Sitting
- Continually or almost continually40%
- About half the time13%
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
- Continually or almost continually67%
- Never18%
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Every day38%
- Once a week or more but not every day42%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
Time Pressure
- Every day30%
- Once a week or more but not every day38%
- Once a month or more but not every week12%
- Once a year or more but not every month15%
Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Every day28%
- Once a week or more but not every day34%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Level of Competition
- Moderately competitive19%
- Not at all competitive24%
E-Mail
- Every day19%
- Once a week or more but not every day37%
- Once a month or more but not every week24%
- Once a year or more but not every month14%
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
- Extremely important37%
- Very important13%
- Important18%
- Fairly important22%
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Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
- Continually or almost continually35%
- More than half the time14%
- Never11%
Freedom to Make Decisions
- A lot of freedom22%
- Some freedom23%
- Limited freedom14%
- Very little freedom33%
Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities
- Extremely important19%
- Very important23%
- Important22%
- Fairly important25%
- Not important at all11%
Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
- Every day28%
- Once a week or more but not every day11%
- Once a month or more but not every week22%
- Once a year or more but not every month21%
- Never18%
Frequency of Decision Making
- Every day19%
- Once a week or more but not every day25%
- Once a month or more but not every week15%
- Once a year or more but not every month25%
- Never15%
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
- Very important results15%
- Important results24%
- Moderate results20%
- Minor results21%
- No results19%
Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Extremely important21%
- Very important15%
- Important19%
- Fairly important11%
- Not important at all35%
Work Schedules
- Seasonal (only during certain times of the year)27%
- Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)23%
- Regular (established routine, set schedule)50%
Consequence of Error
- Extremely serious13%
- Serious19%
- Fairly serious27%
- Not serious at all35%
Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals
- A lot of freedom13%
- Limited freedom22%
- Very little freedom15%
Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers
- High responsibility12%
- Moderate responsibility26%
- No responsibility46%
Conflict Situations
- Once a month or more but not every week20%
- Once a year or more but not every month46%
- Never27%
Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People
- Once a month or more but not every week14%
- Once a year or more but not every month39%
- Never33%
Written Letters and Memos
- Once a month or more but not every week17%
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
- Never37%
Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month43%
- Never36%
Spend Time Standing
- More than half the time11%
- About half the time14%
- Never27%
Telephone Conversations
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Once a month or more but not every week11%
- Once a year or more but not every month18%
- Never51%
Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
- Once a month or more but not every week19%
- Once a year or more but not every month17%
- Never53%
Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body
- Continually or almost continually11%
- Less than half the time30%
- Never52%
Public Speaking
- Once a year or more but not every month36%
- Never50%
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
- Extremely important14%
- Not important at all77%
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
- Once a year or more but not every month35%
- Never52%
Outdoors, Under Cover
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment
- Once a week or more but not every day16%
- Never77%
Duration of Typical Work Week
- More than 40 hours11%
- Less than 40 hours83%
Exposed to Contaminants
- Never79%
Spend Time Walking or Running
- Less than half the time35%
- Never57%
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
- Never77%
Health and Safety of Other Workers
- Limited responsibility17%
- No responsibility74%
Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions
- Once a year or more but not every month28%
- Never68%
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
- Less than half the time24%
- Never72%
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
- Less than half the time29%
- Never68%
Exposed to Disease or Infections
- Never89%
Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
- Once a year or more but not every month16%
- Never79%
Exposed to High Places
- Never89%
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
- Never94%
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
- Never91%
Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People
- Never93%
Degree of Automation
- Not at all automated95%
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
- Never96%
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
- Never93%
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
- Never97%
Exposed to Radiation
- Never100%
In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment
- Never100%
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
- Never100%
Typical Education Levels Reported
Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.
- Bachelor’s degree
Technology Skills
Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.
Web page creation and editing software
Blogging software, Facebook, Instagram
Video creation and editing software
YouTube
Music or sound editing software
Apple GarageBand, Audacity, Avid Technology Pro Tools, iZotope Ozone
Instant messaging software
Snapchat, Twitter
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
Electronic mail software
Email software
Accounting software
Financial tracking software
Computer based training software
Cantovation Sing & See
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
SAP software
Office suite software
Microsoft Office software
Word processing software
Microsoft Word
Internet browser software
Web browser software
Data base user interface and query software
TUBA software
Calendar and scheduling software
Appointment scheduling software
Professional Associations
Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.
- American College of Musicians
- American String Teachers Association
- Chamber Music America
- Country Music Association
- Future of Music Coalition
- International Bluegrass Music Association
- International Society for the Performing Arts
- League of American Orchestras
- National Association of Schools of Music
- National Band Association
- North American Singers Association
- Percussive Arts Society
- The Contemporary A Cappella Society
- Actors' Equity Association
- American Federation of Musicians
- American Guild of Musical Artists
- Screen Actors Guild - American Federation of Television and Radio Artists
Related Occupations
Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.
- Actors
- Dancers and Choreographers
- Dancers and Choreographers
- Postsecondary Teachers
- Producers and Directors
- Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers
- Other therapists, including exercise physiologists
- Writers and Authors
- Producers and Directors
- Broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators, and media and communication equipment workers, all other
- Other Teachers and Instructors
- Entertainers and Performers, Sports and Related Workers, All Other
- Artists and Related Workers
- Announcers
- Secondary School Teachers
- Postsecondary Teachers
- Athletes, Coaches, Umpires, and Related Workers
- Elementary and Middle School Teachers
- Miscellaneous social scientists, including survey researchers and sociologists
Detailed Work Activities
More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.
- Perform music for the public.
- Practice athletic or artistic skills.
- Train others on performance techniques.
- Create musical compositions, arrangements or scores.
- Study details of musical compositions.
- Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
- Perform for recordings.
- Audition for roles.
- Promote products, activities, or organizations.
- Conduct research to inform art, designs, or other work.
Apprenticeship Occupations
Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.
- Musician
This page incorporates information from O*NET Web Services by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
Based on federal labor and demographic data. Data source & methodology